Cordery strengthens team with data protection and privacy expert
- Written by Fran Cator
LONDON, U.K.,13 October 2014 - Cordery, has strengthened its Data Protection and Regulatory team with the appointment of Patrick O'Kane, an experienced Barrister. Practicing for the last 14 years in Belfast, O'Kane has been involved in some significant data protection and regulatory decisions during his time at the Bar.
"Patrick has an excellent reputation for the work he does and is a great addition to our team," Jonathan Armstrong, Partner at Cordery, said. "Data protection and privacy is a complex and dynamic space and a real challenge for many organisations. Patrick's specific experience in this area will be very valuable for our clients. Equally important is his deep knowledge of the political and legal climate in Ireland, especially due to the vital role that Ireland plays in the global data protection regulatory environment."
Beyond data protection and privacy law, O'Kane has significant experience in the broader commercial world. He studied law at the Queen's University in Belfast and did his Barrister's vocational course at the University of Northumbria. He was the youngest Barrister to ever qualify in Northern Ireland, at 22 years of age. O'Kane has also completed several post-graduate data protection courses in policy creation and audit. Alongside his legal practice, he has been legal correspondent for The Irish News, reporting on data protection and privacy issues.
O'Kane added, "I am delighted to be at Cordery. I have a passion for data privacy law and Cordery is a perfect fit. There is a growing culture of companies being heavily policed by a vast range of regulators across the globe. Companies today require clear and practical advice in navigating this intricately complicated international regulatory landscape. I'm looking forward to working with our clients to help them manage their data protection and privacy issues in addition to all the other areas of compliance that Cordery provides assistance on."